"It is always difficult to identify the many threads that make up the fabric of a life'swork." ~ E. Donnall Thomas

Everywhere, thousands of leukemia patients have a second chance at life because of the dedicated bone marrow research by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas (1920-2012).

Born on this day in Texas, Dr. Thomas was a hero in humanity's relentless quest to find a cure for cancer.

Leukemia, once almost always fatal, is curable today. Over 70% survive because of discoveries in bone marrow transplantation.

Healthy marrow injected into the bloodstream allows patients with marrow destroyed by chemotherapy or radiation to produce new cells. A miracle!

Thomas first pursued his research while in medical school. In 1956, he successfully transplanted bone marrow between a leukemic patient and his identical twin, then in 1969 between relatives who were not identical twins. From there, he tried unrelated donor matches.